Spain defender the next to boycott Sevilla for Premier League

Swansea’s Michu may have taken more of the headlines for gaining a first Spain call-up for the World Cup qualifiers with Belarus and Georgia, but it is the other newcomer to Vincent Del Bosque’s plans that may soon be gaining additional Premier League interest.

Six players departed Sevilla for the Premier League over the summer, with Manchester City duo Alvaro Negredo and Jesus Navas the most high-profile of the list.

And another English raid could develop in future transfer windows, with Alberto Moreno potentially their most sellable asset from left-back.

Although making his debut in the 2011/12 campaign, it was only in early 2013 that Moreno truly made his mark on the first team and he is now one of few definite starters in the ranks of Unai Emery, perhaps with leading playmaker Ivan Rakitic and goalkeeper Beto.

Despite being a converted winger from his younger days, it is Moreno’s defensive capabilities that have been most eye-catching, rather than his overlapping runs and delivery from the wide areas.

In terms of his tackling, he has the highest success rate in the whole of La Liga and would look the natural understudy to Jordi Alba in the national set-up already.

The problem for potential buyers is that Moreno penned a new Sevilla deal in the summer, not only keeping him at the club until 2018, but also featuring a minimum fee release clause of approximately £20m.

Ryan Bertrand has not even made the matchday squad for Chelsea in the Premier League yet this season, which suggests he is not especially highly rated by Jose Mourinho.

And with Ashley Cole starting the twilight of his career, some added left-back cover would not go amiss at Chelsea, especially one with long-term prospects. A defender that can defend first would also be of use given the raft of attacking options already at the disposal of Mourinho.

Not that Moreno would need much encouragement, but some trophies at Stamford Bridge would boost Chelsea’s chances of beating the likes of Real Madrid to his signature, with the 21-year-old looking a potential replacement for Fabio Coentrao.

Chelsea are 23/10 to win the Premier League this season.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.

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